Anyone applied ILR by Vignette Date?

[liliming]

Hi all,

Wondering has anyone recently (2025/2026) successfully applied for Long Residence ILR using their Entry Clearance/Vignette date rather than their first physical UK entry date, particularly exactly 28 days early?

It would be really helpful to hear from anyone who has had a successful case, especially if you could share any details. Thanks in advance for sharing!!

My details:
Vignette date: 14/09/2016
Entry date: 21/09/2016
Gonna apply by myself / DIY

[zimba]

This has been answered so many times before on the forum for so many applicants. You do not need to guess things, just try to understand how things work and how the rules apply makes everything clear. The immigration system is not an experience-based system, it based on what the rules say.

READ --> Long Residence settlement route (effective 11 April 2024)

READ --> All you need to know about applying early, the application date, 28-day concession and more

[liliming]

Hi Zimba,

Thanks for the links. Just joined this channel this morning, so still figuring out things.

I am currently referring to the Continuous residence guidance by UKVI. Basically, my understanding is that the 10-year long residence route (sections 2.1 & 3) allows applicants to apply for ILR based on the vignette date stated on their first visa (section 6.3), and they can apply 28 days before that date (section 4.1). I hope my understanding is correct.

Asking this because many people saying only 5 year working route can apply by this.

Thanks again.

[zimba]

No your understanding is not correct. Did you read the links above or not ?? Everything is explained with extensive details

[liliming]

No your understanding is not correct. Did you read the links above or not ?? Everything is explained with extensive details

I’ve read the link you provided in detail, including the relevant sections of the current Continuous Residence Guidance, and my family have also gone through it with me carefully. So I don’t think I’m overlooking the section you’re referring to.

If I have misunderstood anything, could you please point out specifically which part of my interpretation is incorrect? Otherwise, could you simply explain your own view on how the qualifying period should be calculated in my case?

I’m genuinely trying to understand your point, but at the moment I’m still not clear what exactly you are saying I have misunderstood.

I’ve also received feedback from several people who have successfully applied for ILR, both under the 5-year and 10-year routes, using the vignette date. Some have also successfully applied exactly 28 days before their vignette date. I’m mentioning this only as additional context, as it seems consistent with my understanding of the current guidance.

[zimba]

The qualifying period is counted backwards from the date that is beneficial to the applicant (NOT necessarily the date you apply)
The 28-days concession is NOT about when to apply (it is about the earliest point you become actually eligible for ILR)

So, how can you calculate your earliest date of ILR eligibility ??

1. You will assume a date of ILR decision (this can be the date of your biometrics if applying for priority service)
2. You then subtract (Your ILR qualifying period - 28 days) from that date, so counting backwards. Your ILR qualifying period could be 3, 5 or 10 years, depending on your immigration route.
3. This new date should be on or after the date of first visa approval.

Formula ---> The date of first visa issue - (Your ILR qualifying period - 28 days)

[liliming]

I understand now. Perhaps my previous wording was not precise enough.

Based on CR 1.1 and the info you provided, if I apply on 17 August 2026, the beneficial date can be up to 28 days after the application date, i.e. 14 September 2026.

Then counting back 10 years from 14 September 2026 gives 14 September 2016, which corresponds to my first visa/entry clearance date.

Therefore, as long as I meet all the other requirements, my understanding is that I can apply from 17 August 2026 onwards.

Is that the correct interpretation?

[zimba]

Correct

[liliming]

Thanks so much